Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? A Guide to Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii

A string of islands with endless adventure and a wealth of cultural activities, Hawaii is a domestic destination that feels exotic. This destination tops most people's bucket lists. It doesn't require a passport, but it does require a keen understanding of what each island is all about.

Kauai: Lush. Endless shades of green. Rejuvenating.

Kauai is for adventure seekers looking to connect with nature. This destination is ideal for hikers. Between Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast, and Ha'ena State Park, natural beauty abounds for those who love the great outdoors. Destinations like Ha'ena State Park require advance reservations, as does the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Foodie tours and farmer's markets can help you refuel when on this adventure-seeking island.

Oahu: Energy. Vibrant. Surf. Iconic. Town and Country.

The island of Oahu is iconic Hawaii, with the most swimmable coastline of all the islands. History buffs will enjoy the #1 site on the island: Pearl Harbor. The site boasts a new attraction, the Top of the Tower tour, but keep in mind this site should be reserved in advance, as no walk-up tickets are available. History buffs will also love the Bishop Museum, known as the Smithsonian of the Pacific, and the Iolani Palace. When you're ready to hit the water, surf lessons with Outrigger Canoe and hiking along Diamond Head State Monument are a great way to enjoy Oahu's outdoors. As with other sites on the island, online reservations are required, since no walk-up entry tickets are available. Want to spot some waterfalls while on Oahu? Check out the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens, home to a lifeguarded, swimmable waterfall, the perfect combination for museum lovers and outdoorsmen alike.

Maui: Spontaneous. Adventure. Leisurely. Laid Back.

Did you know that Maui also includes two other islands? Lanai and Molokai are both part of Maui County. On the main island of Maui, be aware that illegally permitted accommodations run rampant, so always book with a travel advisor to ensure your accommodations are legal and legitimate. Maui is a great destination for whale watchers between December and May, and the ferry ride out to Lanai is one of the best ways to spot them, a great day trip from Maui. Sunrises and sunsets are legendary on this island, as is the golf. Want to hit another top spot? Check out the Road to Hana, but beware of the curves; there are 620 of them! Visit hanamaui.com for driving tips and etiquette if you plan to drive yourselves. Another popular park is Waianapanapa State Park, and yes, you'll need reservations. Need to spice up your Maui itinerary? Head on day trips to other parts of the county: Lanai is serene, secluded, and refined, while Molokai is rustic, rugged, and unspoiled. There's not a stoplight on the entire island, but there is delicious hot bread. The motto of Maui is "the land is chief and man is its servant," so keep that in mind, and consider participating in some ecotourism while there by planting a few trees as part of their reforestation efforts.

Island of Hawaii: Living Culture. Accessible. Active. Volcanoes. Day Trips.

If you didn't already know, there is a specific island called Hawaii within the state of Hawaii. There are two airports on this island because it's so large: Kona and Hilo. Many travelers plan itineraries to fly into one airport and out of the other to make the most of their time exploring. This island is a National Parks lover's dream, hosting five of them. For more information about the active volcano parks, visit nps.gov/havo. These parks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but the perfect times to visit are 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. for fantastic sunrise and sunset views of the volcanoes. A $30 weekly pass gives you seven days of access to this living wonder. There are beautiful orchid farms on the island, and for a free activity, check out the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. If your last day's itinerary includes a late-night flight home, check out Kona Sea Salt's sunset tour, less than a 10-minute ride from the airport, so you can make the most of your last day. Visit Kokua Farmers to explore a working farm, or check out a farmer's market for fresh produce. Once you've refueled, hit the trails mountain biking at Anna Ranch Heritage Center.

Hawaii hosts a plethora of sites and activities, and you can return again and again to seek out what makes this domestic destination so exotic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a passport to visit Hawaii?

No. Hawaii is a domestic U.S. destination, so a passport is not required to visit.

Which Hawaiian island is best for hiking and nature lovers?

Kauai is the best island for hikers and nature lovers, with destinations like Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast, and Ha'ena State Park offering some of the state's most stunning natural beauty.

Which Hawaiian island is best for history buffs?

Oahu is best for history buffs, home to Pearl Harbor, the Bishop Museum (known as the Smithsonian of the Pacific), and the Iolani Palace.

Which Hawaiian island is best for whale watching?

Maui is the best island for whale watching, particularly between December and May, with the ferry ride to Lanai offering one of the best vantage points.

Do Hawaii's national parks and attractions require reservations?

Yes, many popular sites across the Hawaiian Islands require advance reservations, including Ha'ena State Park and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai, Pearl Harbor's Top of the Tower tour on Oahu, and Waianapanapa State Park on Maui. Walk-up entry is often not available.

Is it safe to book vacation rentals on Maui on your own?

Not always. Illegally permitted accommodations are common on Maui, so it's best to book with a travel advisor to ensure your accommodations are legal and legitimate.

How many national parks are on the Island of Hawaii?

The Island of Hawaii hosts five national parks, including active volcano parks that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A $30 weekly pass provides seven days of access.

What is the best time of day to visit the volcano parks on the Island of Hawaii?

The best times to visit are around 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. to catch sunrise and sunset views over the volcanoes.